GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen they couldn't pay it back, he was kind enough to cancel their debts. Now, who do you think will love him the most?"

New American Standard 1977 “When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him more?”

Jubilee Bible 2000And when they had nothing to pay, he released them both from their debt. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

King James 2000 BibleAnd when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

American King James VersionAnd when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

American Standard VersionWhen they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?

Douay-Rheims BibleAnd whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which therefore of the two loveth him most?

Darby Bible Translationbut as they had nothing to pay, he forgave both of them [their debt]: [say,] which of them therefore will love him most?

English Revised VersionWhen they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?

Webster's Bible TranslationAnd when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Weymouth New TestamentBut neither of them could pay anything; so he freely forgave them both. Tell me, then, which of them will love him most?"

World English BibleWhen they couldn't pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?"

Young's Literal Translation and they not having wherewith to give back, he forgave both; which then of them, say thou, will love him more?'

Commentary

Matthew Henry Commentary7:36-50 None can truly perceive how precious Christ is, and the glory of the gospel, except the broken-hearted. But while they feel they cannot enough express self-abhorrence on account of sin, and admiration of his mercy, the self-sufficient will be disgusted, because the gospel encourages such repenting sinners. The Pharisee, instead of rejoicing in the tokens of the woman's repentance, confined his thoughts to her former bad character. But without free forgiveness none of us can escape the wrath to come; this our gracious Saviour has purchased with his blood, that he may freely bestow it on every one that believes in him. Christ, by a parable, forced Simon to acknowledge that the greater sinner this woman had been, the greater love she ought to show to Him when her sins were pardoned. Learn here, that sin is a debt; and all are sinners, are debtors to Almighty God. Some sinners are greater debtors; but whether our debt be more or less, it is more than we are able to pay. God is ready to forgive; and his Son having purchased pardon for those who believe in him, his gospel promises it to them, and his Spirit seals it to repenting sinners, and gives them the comfort. Let us keep far from the proud spirit of the Pharisee, simply depending upon and rejoicing in Christ alone, and so be prepared to obey him more zealously, and more strongly to recommend him unto all around us. The more we express our sorrow for sin, and our love to Christ, the clearer evidence we have of the forgiveness of our sins. What a wonderful change does grace make upon a sinner's heart and life, as well as upon his state before God, by the full remission of all his sins through faith in the Lord Jesus!